Mr. David F. Boldt, age 86, of Anita, IA, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Cass Health in Atlantic, IA. He was born on February 9, 1939, in Carroll, Iowa, to Henry and Loretta (Rose) Boldt. He graduated from Carroll High School and then attended the University of South Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching and coaching.
David married Jane E. Karstens on August 16, 1963. His proposal was straightforward. On Christmas Eve in 1962, while he was home on leave from the Service, he took her out on a date. When she entered the car, a ring box rested on the dashboard in front of her. Rather than asking her to marry him or placing the ring on her finger, she opened the box and put it on herself.
He began his teaching journey in Galva, Iowa. Although his first year didn’t quite meet his expectations, he opted to join the Army Reserve for six months. Upon returning, he was determined to give teaching another shot. He got married, and together they moved to Anita, where he happily resumed his teaching career. Throughout his career, he taught junior high social studies and science, high school physical education, and also enjoyed coaching high school boys’ basketball and track. In addition, he embraced the roles of Athletic Director and Driver’s Ed instructor.
While in the classroom, Dave taught more than just the academic lesson plan. He taught students that success was about more than just getting good grades. As a coach, he taught his athletes that a victory was about more than just the number on the scoreboard. He encouraged and modeled for both students and athletes what good character looked like, how to put forth their best effort in whatever they were doing, what respect meant, how to show up even on the difficult days and try their best, and to always find time for a sense of humor. He made sure that everyone felt important, heard, and part of something “bigger” than just attending school.
In 1976, he envisioned and built the Dave Boldt Little League Field. He wanted kids to be active and participate in one of his favorite sports during the summer months. He also ensured that the school facilities were up to date, constructing the first “Crows Nest” at the Football/Track complex and believing the track needed a curb around it. With his own funds, he gathered some fellow volunteers and made that happen.
After retiring, Dave decided to create a community to bring senior citizens together and keep them active, so he started the “Anita Senior Citizen’s Bike Club.” Many joined in and enjoyed the variety of trails that he and Jane scouted, along with the planned lunches at different restaurants located near the bike trails. In the winter months, he continued the tradition, but it became a supper club that met once a month, which he named “ROMEO’S” (“Retired Old Men Eating Out”). The men had to wear bow ties, and the women wore white gloves.
He dedicated his life to others, embodying the roles of an excellent husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, coach, and role model.
Dave leaves behind his beloved wife, Jane; two children, David (Tricia) and Jennifer; five grandchildren, David Boldt, Benjamin Boldt, Hunter Boldt, Tatum Heath, and Benjamin Heath; his sister, LeeAnn Musfeldt; and several nieces and nephews.
David was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Henry and Loretta Boldt; four siblings; three brothers-in-law—Lois and Glen Struve, Gloria and Merlin Lenz, Caroline Boldt, and Richard Boldt (both in infancy)—nephews; his mother and father-in-law, Carl and Elsie Karstens; and many long-time friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita. Committal will take place following the funeral at Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. A luncheon will be held following the committal at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.
Public visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.
Memorials may be directed to the David Bolt Family, they will be designate at a later date in honor of him. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.
